Product classification
HS code for Electric stapler: 8472.90
Office machines, not elsewhere classified.
Classification of electric stapler under HS 8472.90
Electric staplers used in office environments are classified under HS code 847290. This code belongs to Chapter 84 and specifically falls under Heading 8472, which covers "Other office machines." This heading is a residual category for office equipment that is not more specifically described elsewhere in the nomenclature. Electric staplers are considered office machines because they perform a function common to office work—binding documents—and are typically used on desks or in mailrooms. The classification 847290 is used because these devices are powered by electricity but do not fit into the categories of hand tools (which are usually manual or pneumatic) or industrial machinery. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) require that products be classified in the heading that provides the most specific description. Since 8472 covers office machines and staplers are a staple of office equipment, this is the internationally recognized code for the electric variety.
- Covers
- Automatic electric desk staplers
- Heavy-duty electric office staplers
- Battery-operated office staplers
- Electric booklet staplers (office grade)
- Corded electric paper staplers
- Also under 8472.90
- Fellowes Powershred 99Ci
- GBC Fusion 6000L laminator
- Olympia CM 941 cash register
- Acroprint BioTouch time clock
Codes often confused with 8472.90
Common mistake. Electric staplers are frequently misclassified under HS code 846729, which covers electromechanical tools for working in the hand. However, office staplers are generally designed to sit on a surface rather than being held in the hand during operation. Another common error is using HS code 820559, which is for manual hand tools. Because the device is motorized and intended for office use, Chapter 84 is more appropriate than Chapter 82.
Top exporters and importers of HS 847290 (the code used for electric stapler), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847290 (the code used for electric stapler) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 847290, not only electric stapler.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.0B 23% of world exports
- 2 Germany $630M 14% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$385M 8.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $4.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $846M 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $247M 5.6% of world imports
- 3 Canada $189M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $4.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for electric stapler
Brazil splits HS 8472.90 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8472.90.10ATMs and automatic banknote dispensers
- 8472.90.20Bank teller machines with authenticating device
- 8472.90.30Coin and banknote sorting and counting machines
- 8472.90.40Pencil sharpeners, punches, staplers and removers
- 8472.90.51Document sorters, over 400 documents per minute
- 8472.90.59Document sorters, up to 400 documents per minute
- 8472.90.91Addressing and address plate embossing machines
- 8472.90.99Other office machines not elsewhere specified
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electric stapler
What is the HS code for Electric stapler?
The HS code for Electric stapler is 847290 (Office machines; not elsewhere classified). The HS code for an electric office stapler is 847290.
How do I classify Electric stapler for customs?
Electric stapler is classified under HS code 847290 — Office machines; not elsewhere classified. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are industrial electric staplers classified the same way?
No, industrial stapling machines used for packaging or upholstery are often classified under 842240 (packaging machinery) or 8467 (hand tools), depending on their design and application.
Which countries are the top exporters of electric stapler (HS 847290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847290 (the code used for electric stapler) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.0B, 23% of world exports), Germany ($630M) and Vietnam (about $385M). World exports came to about $4.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of electric stapler (HS 847290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 847290 (the code used for electric stapler) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($846M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($247M) and Canada ($189M). World imports came to about $4.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Electric stapler the same in all countries?
The base HS code 847290 for Electric stapler is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for electric stapler in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 847290 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for electric stapler depends on the product's details: 8472.90.10 (ATMs and automatic banknote dispensers), 8472.90.20 (Bank teller machines with authenticating device), 8472.90.30 (Coin and banknote sorting and counting machines), 8472.90.40 (Pencil sharpeners, punches, staplers and removers), 8472.90.51 (Document sorters, over 400 documents per minute), 8472.90.59 (Document sorters, up to 400 documents per minute), and more.